INTRODUCTION:

The presence of anatomic variations of paranasal sinuses must be noted in order to attain a full understanding and accurate diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. The aim of this study was to detect anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses and their vicinity by using CT and, to investigate their correlation with paranasal sinus infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

High resolution multidetector CT of paranasal sinuses were acquired with a 64 detector CT system. The examinations of 170 patients with rhinosinusitis and 144 controls were reviewed. Anatomical variations of the both groups were assessed.

RESULTS:

The anatomical variants detected in order of frequency were septal deviation (%60), aerated Ager nasi cells (%60), aeration of middle turbinates (%38), and septal spur (%30). Only septal deviation was associated with sinusitis significantly (p<0.005).

CONCLUSION:

Among many anatomical variations, septal deviation and aerated Ager nasi cells were the most commonly encountered in the paranasal CT examinations and only septal deviation was associated with sinusitis significantly.

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